Alaska News

Video: Yup'ik drumming and dancing at AFN

At first glance, a novice might not be able to tell the difference between some of Alaska's regional styles of Native dancing and drumming. Yes, there is an obvious distinction when comparing the Alutiiq style to Yup'ik. The Russian-influenced decorations on robes and thick drums are striking, versus a simple Yup'ik kuspuk? and thin drum made from walrus belly and a round spruce frame.

But compare Inupiaq and Yup'ik and it's more difficult to distinguish; the methods, equipment and dance are similar.

It is the storytelling style that differs.

"Theirs is more straight to the point and shorter," said Ossie Kairaiuak, the leader of the Yup'ik group Acilquq Drummers and Dancers, describing a typical Inupiaq song, drum and dance. "In Yup'ik style, there is a main idea in each song. And then there's additions to it, like the third line may change to something specific to the song, inspired by his or her composition or inspiration."

Yup'ik songs seem to flow into one another. As soon as one song ends, the next begins, but they're all connected. "Mostly long and continuous but the verses add specific details to the story being told," said Kairaiuak, describing the storytelling.

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